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Fires – 2000 (103 total)
02-Jan-2000 - Callon Petroleum Operating Company
Remarks: Preliminary findings indicate that while on bottom drilling, the rig experienced a kick. The crew shut in the BOP’s. The 10 ¾-inch casing head by 16-inch casing head spool began leaking and caught fire. The rig personnel were evacuated via escape capsules. The well was killed on January 7, 2000, after it stopped flowing. 03-Jan-2000 - Union Oil Company of California
Remarks: A pinhole in a glycol reboiler allowed oil and condensate to leak and ignite. The fire lasted 8 to 10 minutes and reached a height of 8 to 12 inches. 13-Jan-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: Welders were cutting, burning, and welding on the rig's crude oil handling system when slag fell into a pile of trash. This created a smoldering fire, which was extinguished immediately. 20-Jan-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: Slag from nearby welding operations fell on some foam rubber that was in a waste bag and started smoldering. The fire watch immediately extinguished the fire (smoldering foam rubber). 30-Jan-2000 - Vastar Resources, Inc
Remarks: A welding lead shorted out and caught a plastic tarp on fire in the wash room of the rig. The plastic tarp was covering the air dryer in the wash room. The fire was extinguished immediately with a water hose. Damage was minimal. 03-Feb-2000 - Vastar Resources, Inc.
Remarks: A welding crew was replacing grating on the +10 boat level in the vicinity of the sump pile when a small fire was detected and extinguished immediately. It appeared that an underwater line was not flushed before the welding started. 06-Feb-2000 - Shell Offshore, Inc.
Remarks: A small fire ignited on the wiring from the starter to the alternator on the N. crane. A hydraulic hose had a metal guard over it, and the wiring from the starter to the alternator was routed through the metal guard. The wire had a bare spot and it ignited when it came in contact with the metal guard. The insulation over the starter-alternator wire provided the fuel. The fire was extinguished immediately. 09-Feb-2000 - Vastar Resources, Inc.
Remarks: A small fire was detected near the exciter on the No. 1 turbine gas generator on the platform. The platform was shut in with the ESD system, and the fire was extinguished immediately with a 30-lb dry chemical unit. The generator was shut down. 21-Feb-2000 - Exxon Corporation
Remarks: A fire occurred at the compressor due to a hole in the exhaust expansion joint of the compressor. It was extinguished immediately with a 20-lb chemical hand-held unit. 24-Feb-2000 - Texaco Exploration and Production
Remarks: The bolts that attach the fuel gas manifold to cylinder No. 8 of compressor No. 4 were loose causing a small fire. The flames attained a height of 12 to 18 inches. The fire lasted 30 seconds and was extinguished with two handheld dry chemical extinguishers. The bolts were tightened and the unit was put back in service. 28-Feb-2000 - Shell Offshore, Inc.
Remarks: The stainless steel sensing line from the compressor suction scrubber was in contact with a rigid ¾-inch conduit line, which was covering electrical lines to light the compressor area. Over time, the sensing line rubbed through the conduit and ignited the conduit, which created a small fire. The fire was detected and extinguished immediately. 07-Mar-2000 - Phillips Petroleum Company
Remarks: A fire on the pipeline pump skid caused the emergency fire alarm to sound. The ESD/TSE shut down the platform. Personnel fought the fire with the nearby firefighting equipment. It took about 3 minutes to extinguish the fire. The investigation findings showed that vibration had caused fatigue of the flex hose on the pipeline pump discharge. The age of the hose may have also been a contributing factor.
07-Mar-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: The deep fat fryer in the rig's kitchen caught on fire. It was extinguished immediately by the CO2 system located over the deep fat fryer and three 30-lb dry chemical units. Three people are being treated for smoke inhalation and one person for a burn. 12-Mar-2000 - Transworld Exploration and Production, Inc.
Remarks: This incident involved two separate fires, which resulted in damage to the communication building, wiring from the communication building, platform structural beams near the escape capsule, the battery box and life jacket box. Ten jackets and the nav-aid solar panel were completely destroyed. The first fire resulted when a carryover of oil out the vacuum relief hatch on the wet oil tank came in contact with the hot surfaces of an expansion joint on the exhaust piping of the compressor. Platform personnel immediately extinguished this fire and activated the ESD station on the stairway leading to the production deck, which resulted in shutdown of the compressor and all process equipment. A substantial oil mist was discharged from the flare boom and a 30-mph wind sprayed the oil mist back onto the platform generator, resulting in a second fire on the top deck of the platform. The second fire was extinguished with portable handheld dry chemical fire extinguishers. The investigation findings showed that failure of the platform master panel main shut down relay resulted in a continued carryover of liquid hydrocarbons without alarming platform personnel of the problem or shutdown of the platform. 21-Mar-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: Two galley personnel took galley rags out of the dryer and put them in a plastic bag. The bag began to smoke. The fire was extinguished with water and a 30-lb dry chemical unit. 23-Mar-2000 - Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
Remarks: A portable light-stand extension cord melted the connection where it was plugged in. The fire was extinguished with one handheld 30-lb dry chemical fire extinguisher. 23-Mar-2000 - Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
Remarks: During welding operations on the rig derrick, a spark apparently fell to the third deck below and ignited the supply gas to the platform water clarifier vessel. The fire watch on the second deck saw the fire and immediately extinguished it. 23-Mar-2000 - Ocean Energy, Inc.
Remarks: While a connection of drill pipe was being broken, synthetic base mud (SBM) was released and blown by the wind to the production generator package below. The SBM landed on the insulated generator exhaust and ignited when the SBM went through the insulation seam to the exhaust piping. The fire was extinguished within minutes using a firewater monitor. 27-Mar-2000 - CXY Energy Inc.
Remarks: The rental generator had a short in the cable, which caused the rubber diesel hose to melt and the diesel caught fire. The fire was extinguished with two fire extinguishers. 30-Mar-2000 - Union Oil Company of California
Remarks: The glycol reboiler caught fire where the stack bolts to the reboiler. The fire was extinguished with one 30-lb dry chemical fire extinguisher and cooled with a fire hose. There was a possible glycol leakage at flange. The unit was located on the top deck at the southwest corner of the platform. The unit was shut in so the stack could be pulled and the gasket repaired before bringing the unit back on line. 10-Apr-2000 - Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
Remarks: A small fire over a 480-volt junction near the MCC room caused the fire alarm to sound. Personnel extinguished the fire immediately with a 30-lb dry chemical unit. 10-Apr-2000 - Exxon Mobil Corporation
Remarks: The platform was shut in because the steel grating was being welded in the well bay near well E-21. The area had been sniffed with a gas detector, but the 16-inch conductor casing on well E-21 had not been sniffed. The cement in the 16-inch casing had a small migration of gas, resulting in a 5-second flash fire. The fire was extinguished with a 30-lb dry chemical unit. 15-Apr-2000 - Vastar Resources, Inc.
Remarks: A welder was cutting pad-eyes off the 24-inch drive pipe with an oxygen-acetylene cutting torch. Sparks generated from this operation landed near the oxygen-acetylene bottle rack and ignited acetylene that was leaking from a loose connection at the manifold. The flame was quickly extinguished with air and the connection was checked for leaks before welding or cutting. 16-Apr-2000 - EOG Resources, Inc.
Remarks: A lube oil storage tank used to feed lube oil to the compressor overflowed into the drip pan. The oil ignited when it was blown into the exhaust of the compressor. The compressor was shut down and the fire was extinguished with a 30-lb handheld fire extinguisher. The fire re-ignited and was extinguished again with water used to cool the exhaust and wash off residuals. 16- April- 2000 - Union Oil Company of California
Remarks: Unocal personnel were shutting down the compressor to service the unit when the vent gas off of the fuel shutdown valve caught fire. The fire was extinguished with one 150-lb and one 30-lb fire extinguisher and a fire hose. 30-Apr-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: Two employees were welding a flange onto a 10-inch piece of pipe that had been purged and cold cut. A Stopple Vent Plug was installed inside the 10-inch pipe. The initial weld was made followed by grinding of a high spot on the weld. Pressure built up behind the plug and blew the plug outward, striking one of the workers in the midsection. When the plug exited the pipe, a small flash fire occurred. No one was injured. 02-May-2000 - ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
Remarks: A pulsation damper, located on the pipeline pump discharge piping, became disconnected, allowing oil to spray onto a nearby heater treator exhaust stack. Platform personnel extinguished the fire within 30 minutes of its discovery. Platform damage was confined to the area of the pump and heater treator. There were no injuries and no pollution. The investigation findings showed that excessive vibration generated by the platform pipeline transfer pumps during normal operation caused a threaded pipe connection to disconnect. Condensate, under about 30 to 40 lbs of pressure was sprayed out the open ended piping onto the exposed hot surface of the heater treator exhaust stack, resulting in ignition. The company was cited for not complying with the requirements of 30 CFR 250.830(b)(5). The heater treator exhaust stack was not protected from hydrocarbon liquid spillage or leakage. 02-May-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: While a 6-inch pipe was being cut with a beveling machine, a spark escaped the fire blanket, entering a 1/8-inch crack in a nailed up crate, causing foam insulation packing to smolder. The firewatch saw the smoke and sprayed water into the box. A second fire watch assisted in extinguishing the fire. 03-May-2000 - Stone Energy Corporation
Remarks: A small flash fire started when a leaking union on the compressor sprayed gas on the compressor exhaust. The fire was extinguished with a 30-lb extinguisher. 07-May-2000 - Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc.
Remarks: A 12-inch high flame was observed at the No. 4 gas compressor waste-gate actuator, located on the turbo charger. The compressor was shut in and the fire was extinguished immediately. 20-May-2000 - Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
Remarks: A trash can in the smoking room caught fire, apparently caused by a match that was not extinguished before being thrown into the trash can. The fire was immediately extinguished by covering the trash can with a lid. The trashcan was removed permanently from the smoke room. 23-May-2000 - W & T Offshore, L.L.C.
Remarks: The operator observed flames coming from the vent portion of the generator armature. The generator shut down automatically. A review of the generator damage determined that the insulation on the windings failed and allowed the electrical flow to go to ground. Either a foreign object entering through the fan housing or a degradation of the insulation on the windings could have caused this type of damage. 25-May-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: A canvas duck wind tarp caught fire while a pre-heat procedure was being performed for a welding procedure on the No. 2 standpipe manifold. The maximum temperature on the pre-heat thermocouple recorded prior to the fire was 220 degrees Fahrenheit. A man was raised into the derrick via a crane basket and the tarp was pulled down and lowered to the scaffolding. The fire was extinguished using the rig floor monitor and a water extinguisher canister. 26-May-2000 - Newfield Exploration Company
Remarks: The platform had an emergency shutdown when operators discovered the TSE in the compressor room was burned. The diaphragm on the oil pump had sprayed oil onto the turbocharger, which started a small fire at the base of the compressor. There was no damage. 31-May-2000 - Vastar Resources, Inc.
Remarks: The electrician had shut down a 25-kilowatt diesel generator to repair the voltage meter. A small fire in the engine enclosure occurred when the generator was restarted and was immediately extinguished with a 30-lb dry chemical unit. 08-Jun-2000 - Freeport-McMoRan Sulphur, LLC
Remarks: While welding inside the main sulfur tank, the sulfur within the tank caught fire. The fire burned for 2 hours until it was extinguished. There was no pollution and no SO2 emissions recorded. The investigation findings show that the operator did not follow established company procedures before beginning welding, burning, and hot tapping work on the No. 2 sulfur storage tank. The tank’s air sparging system should have been turned off before the welding operation began. The operator didn’t conduct a thorough job safety analysis with all personnel before beginning the task. Also, the fire watch was not providing continuous surveillance with a portable gas detector prior to the fire. 10-Jun-2000 - Exxon Mobil Corporation
Remarks: A welder was repairing a handrail on the top production deck when a 6-inch flame was observed coming from the cellar deck by the fire watch. Sparks fell from the top deck to the cellar deck and ignited a 1-inch starter vent line that came out of the top of a gas generator building. The flame was extinguished immediately with a water hose. 13-Jun-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: The rig was running all five generators at 90 percent power when the No. 2 generator caught fire internally, resulting in an external flame on the turbo air filter. The fire was extinguished and the No. 2 generator was shut down. 15-Jun-2000 - Shell Deepwater Production, Inc.
Remarks: The recycle gas compressor (CBA-1053) experienced a small fire within the turbine enclosure. Personnel had started the compressor and were in attendance at the time of the fire. The compressor was shut down immediately and the fire was quickly extinguished 15-Jun-2000 - Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
Remarks: The construction crew was dropping an acetylene welding hose through the grating to a lower deck section. The hose landed on the turbocharger of the compressor. The heat of the turbocharger melted the hose and ignited the acetylene trapped in the hose (bottles were closed). The fire was extinguished immediately with a 30-lb chemical unit. Damages were limited to a small section of hose. 16-Jun-2000 - Exxon Mobil Corporation
Remarks: A solar compressor backfired during startup. The flame leaving the exhaust stack ignited a post-lube pump vent due to strong winds; the vent will be relocated. 17-Jun-2000 - Devon Energy Production Company, L. P.
Remarks: : The operator was killing a well with the snubbing unit and diesel mud pump. The pump engine started blowing motor oil and caught the exhaust and intake on fire. The pump was shut down and the fire was extinguished. The pump was replaced. 18-Jun-2000 - Exxon Mobil Corporation
Remarks: Tarps were hung to isolate an area for hot work around temporary quarters. A helicopter blew the tarps onto a hot exhaust stack. The tarps ignited but were quickly extinguished with water. Damage was estimated at $250. 24-Jun-2000 - Shell Deepwater Production Inc.
Remarks: A tarp that was suspended near a turbine gas generator caught fire. The tarp came into contact with an exhaust that was 280 degrees Fahrenheit. The fire was detected and extinguished immediately with damage to the tarp only. 05-Jul-2000 - Basin Exploration, Inc.
Remarks: All personnel were evacuated from the rig when attempts to extinguish a fire failed. A fire ignited presumably from weld slag reacting with biogenic gas originating from the 48-inch caisson by 26-inch drive pipe annulus from No. D-5 well caisson, located about 7.5 feet from No. D-6 well caisson. Both caissons were about 150 feet from Platform D. The fire was extinguished by rig fire fighting equipment and marine support vessels. The investigation findings show that hot slag from welding operations on the adjacent D-6 well caisson fell down into the annulus between the 48-inch caisson and the 26-inch drive pipe on well No. D-5 and came in contact with gas from a shallow gas pocket under the annulus of the D-5 well. The cement job on well No. D-5 annuli prior to this job leaked and allowed gas to migrate up through the cement into the annular void of the well and into the atmosphere, contributing to the fire. 06-Jul-2000 - Dominion Exploration Production, Inc.
Remarks: A small fire occurred when a valve broke off the compressor head and broke the piston head. Pressure built up in the crankcase and caused a leak at the filter. Escaping crankcase oil burned. The fire was immediately extinguished. 07-Jul-2000 - Murphy Exploration & Production Company
Remarks: The air intake on an engine became clogged, making the air fuel mixture very rich. This rich mixture leaked out of the muffler and caused a fire. The fire was extinguished with a fire extinguisher in seconds.
11-Jul-2000 - J.M. Huber Corporation
Remarks: Platform operators had removed a small spool piece (dump valve, block valve, shot pipe, and nipples) and the welder was cutting rusty bolts from the dump valve. The dump valve was in the closed position and at the other end was an open block valve. When most of the bolts were cut, the flange parted and a small flash fire occurred. Three people were slightly burned, sent to the hospital, and later released that day. The investigation findings show that the fire was caused by cutting on hydrocarbon handling equipment that had residual hydrocarbons left in the valves and piping. It was recommended that hydrocarbon handling lines and valves always be thoroughly flushed and cleaned before beginning any welding or cutting. 14-Jul-2000 - Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
Remarks: The operator was attempting to start an engine with ether. The engine backfired and a flash fire occurred. No damages and no injuries occurred. 17-Jul-2000 - Union Oil Company of California
Remarks: While welding on the top deck, slag fell onto a Fisher Controller, on the deck below, and ignited a small amount of escaping gas. A nearby fire watch immediately extinguished the fire with a continuous spray of water. 20-Jul-2000 - Exxon Mobil Corporation
Remarks: The operator was installing a deck drain on the platform when a tarp under the drain caught on fire. The fire watch immediately extinguished the small fire. 22-Jul-2000 - Newfield Exploration Company
Remarks: The supply gas line to the pipeline SDV caught fire and shut in the pipeline. The PSH on the production separator shut in the platform. Hot work to replace the grating was completed at 2000 hours and fire watch was completed at 2030. At 2200 hours, the platform shut-in. The fire was extinguished with a 3-lb dry chemical fire extinguisher. There was minor damage to the panel.
28-Jul-2000 - Shell
Deepwater Production, Inc.
Remarks: An employee suffered first and second degree burns to his face, hands, and arms when a small flash fire occurred in the Cetco weir tank where completion fluids were being treated in conjunction with flowing well A-10. The fire was immediately extinguished with no damage to the platform. 30-Jul-2000 - Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
Remarks: A small fire occurred on the gas compressor exhaust manifold when the stainless steel tubing from a hydraulic oil pump leaked oil onto the exhaust. The fire was extinguished immediately with almost no damages. 03-Aug-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: During startup on the solar gas compressor, a small fire was observed at the end of the exhaust of the turbine enclosure. The CO2 fire suppression system was activated. The fire was extinguished immediately with minimal damage. 08-Aug-2000 - Coastal Oil & Gas Corporation
Remarks: The No. 4 engine turbo blew an oil-cooler gasket, causing the oil that blew out to catch on fire, generating smoke and some small flames. The fire was extinguished with a small CO2 bottle. There were no injuries and no damage other than to the turbo. 09-Aug-2000 - Elf Exploration, Inc.
Remarks: Oil from a 200-barrel maximum capacity bad oil tank overflowed through the pressure vacuum relief valve and spilled through the first deck grating onto the generator building located on the second deck. Oil penetrated various small openings in the generator building roof and gravitated down an “I” beam onto an exposed hot surface of the generator exhaust where it ignited. The fire flashed back through the building roof and ignited oil that had accumulated in the adjacent heater treator skid. The fire flashed through the first deck grating and melted the plastic sight glasses on both the bad oil and good oil tanks. This released additional oil that fueled the fire through the sight glass valves. After attempts to extinguish the fire failed, all personnel were evacuated to the M/V Ocean Runner 1 and transported to Unocal’s EI 276 B platform. The platform fire loop located on the generator melted and performed a total platform shut-in. Workboats from adjacent fields sprayed seawater onto the EI 275 A platform. A Fast Response Unit equipped with 500 feet of expanded boom was dispatched to the platform. A total of nine M/V’s responded to the distress call and assisted throughout the night to contain and control the fire that continued on the top deck of the platform. A pollution surveillance flight of the area determined that pollution originating from the platform was tear-dropped shaped and extended 10 miles in length from the platform and about 5 miles wide at the widest point. The investigation findings show that the platform operators bypassed the LSH on the bad oil tank to make use of the full capacity of the storage space during platform start up operations. They failed to monitor the by-passed LSH sufficiently to prevent tank overflow. The containment pan was not sufficient to contain an overflow. 13-Aug-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: The electric line in the service loop to the motion compensator in the derrick on the rig developed a short creating a spark. The spark caused the insulation in the electric line to start a small fire. The fire was detected and extinguished immediately. 15-Aug-2000 - Linder Oil Company
Remarks: Tubing parted inside the cooler allowing a glycol-based antifreeze solution (Ambitrol FL) to be discharged through the cooler-filler cap. The solution sprayed onto the insulated compressor exhaust at a point where there was about a ¼-inch gap between two blankets of insulation. The contact of the solution with this hot space resulted in a flash fire. A 150-lb dry chemical unit was used to extinguish the flame. It was recommended in the investigation findings that the compressor cooler should be periodically tested for leaks or deterioration, that the compressor exhaust where the fire occurred should be insulated, and that a nonflammable antifreeze solution be used. 16-Aug-2000 - Coastal Oil & Gas Corporation
Remarks: At about 6:30 a.m., an employee was welding an old light bracket when a flash fire occurred when molten slag ignited a cotton tarp. The Temperature Safety Element loop activated a platform shut-in. The fire was extinguished immediately. A second flash fire started at about 3:15 p.m. the same day, when a welder burned through a fire wall about 12-15 feet from the dry oil storage tank. The fire traveled the length of tarps and ignited a diesel spill, a paint locker, and a storage shed. Investigation findings showed that the welding ignited escaping natural gas from faulty AFFF valves and PSV’s located on top of the dry oil storage tank. The faulty AFFF valves and PSV’s were not installed and tested properly prior to both the fires. The valves continued to leak after the first fire was extinguished and were not repaired before continuing to weld. The following were cited as contributing factors: (1) production equipment contained hydrocarbons within 35 feet of the welding site, (2) the area was not approved safe for welding operations, (3) a separate hot work permit was not obtained after the first fire, (4) crews did not adhere to the hot work permits issued before the fires, (5) cotton tarps compounded the situation, (6) there was no Job Safety Analysis meeting with all personnel prior to the fires, and (7) the approved welding and burning plans were not adhered to. OCS violations 30 CFR 250.402(a)(4), G-303-C and 30 CFR 250.402(d)(4), G-310-C were specified. Damages were estimated at $500,000. 16-Aug-2000 - Coastal Oil & Gas Corporation
Remarks: This fire was the second of two fires on the same day –one at 6:30 a.m. and the other at 3:15 p.m. The first fire resulted when a welder was welding an old light bracket when molten slag caused a flash fire, which ignited a cotton tarp. The temperature safety element loop activated a platform shut-in and the fire was extinguished immediately. This second fire was also generated by a welder burning through a fire wall. The flash fire that traveled along tarps ignited (1) diesel fuel that had spilled while a crane diesel tank was being filled, (2) a paint locker, and (3) a storage shed. The investigation findings show that faulty AFFF valves and PSV’s had not been installed and tested properly. After the first fire, the valves were still leaking gas and were not repaired before continuing hot work after the first fire was extinguished. 21-Aug-2000 - Newfield Exploration Company
Remarks: An oxy/acetylene tank developed a leak and caught fire. After an attempt to extinguish the fire with a dry chemical extinguisher failed, the crew evacuated the platform until the tank extinguished itself. The crew re-boarded the platform and extinguished the residual fire. 26-Aug-2000 - Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
Remarks: A fire started when a glycol reboiler burner system, which was being returned to service after maintenance, leaked oil from the flange onto the hot surface of the vessel and started a fire. The fire was extinguished with dry chemical and firewater. Property damage was minimal. Investigation findings showed that proper operating procedures were not being conducted while the glycol dehydration system was being placed back into service and that oil got into the system through the fuel gas, which had been contaminated by liquid hydrocarbons. The following recommendations were made: (1) eliminate flash gas from the skimmer as a fuel source for the glycol reboiler burner, (2) reconfigure the safety panel logic and update the safety chart accordingly to shut the main burner fuel shut-down valve and the fuel gas filter shut-down valve on LSH system upsets, (3) modify operating procedures for the case when the unit is taken out of service for an extended period, (4) bypass gas flow through the contactor to prevent hydrocarbon buildup in the supply gas system, and (5) replace the fire tube flange gasket. 28-Aug-2000 - Newfield Exploration Company
Remarks: A fire started when gas blew from a leaking compressor discharge valve plate gasket on either the turbo or an electrical connection that was not explosion proof. Only the compressor was damaged. The operator extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. 29-Aug-2000 - Burlington Resources, Inc.
Remarks: Sparks from a cutting torch ignited fluid on the deck. Operators were removing a float cell and a red fox unit from the platform. They had drained water from the float cell onto the deck. Welders were demolishing the red fox unit in the same area. Fire watch personnel extinguished the fire with dry chemical extinguishers. There was no property damage and no injuries. 29-Aug-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: The muffler on a diesel powered pressure washer vibrated loose and melted the fuel line creating a flash fire. The fire was extinguished immediately. Damage to the pressure washer was minimal. 06-Sep-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: A small fire occurred in a designated smoking area on the rig and was extinguished immediately with a gallon of water. 07-Sep-2000 - Callon Petroleum Operating Company
Remarks: Molten slag fell on a tarp and created a small fire. The firewatch observed smoke coming from the cargo room in the hull of the platform and extinguished the fire with water. Only the fire-resistant tarp was damaged. 23-Sep-2000 - Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
Remarks: A small flash fire occurred because engine oil leaked and accumulated on the engine. The rig motorman sounded the rig alarms and extinguished the fire with a 30-lb handheld unit. There were no injuries or pollution reported. 23-Sep-2000 - Unocal Exploration Corporation
Remarks: The field mechanic was working on the diesel fire pump and observed the exhaust blanket burning. Further investigation revealed two fuel injectors were malfunctioning, allowing raw fuel to enter the exhaust system. The fuel ignited within the exhaust system, causing excessive heat that ignited the insulation blanket. The fire was extinguished with a fresh water hose. 25-Sep-2000 - Murphy Exploration & Production Company
Remarks: A small fire occurred when an oil pump failure allowed oil to be blown out the flare and ignited. An estimated .01 gallon of oil was spilled. No H2S was released. 25-Sep-2000 - Exxon Mobil Corporation
Remarks: A split at the joint of stainless steel tubing, located 2 inches from the turbo charger, allowed lubrication oil to spray out and start the fire. An employee activated a platform alarm and quickly extinguished the fire with a fire hose. 02-Oct-2000 - Shell Offshore, Inc.
Remarks: The insulation on the glycol reboiler caught fire. It appeared that a 2-inch L. P. plug on the reboiler had leaked glycol and condensate onto the insulation. The heat from the reboiler caused the insulation to ignite. The small fire was extinguished immediately. Damage was minimal. 09-Oct-2000 - Devon Energy Corporation
Remarks: After obtaining a hot work permit from the rig and platform, a welder used a cutting torch to make a rough cut on a 9 5/8-inch intermediate casing. Fluid came out of the cut and caught fire. The fire was extinguished with a portable fire extinguisher and cutting was suspended. 10-Oct-2000 - Amoco Production Company
Remarks: A crane cab was being removed and the retaining bolts were being cut with a cutting torch. The hose on the cutting torch failed, causing a fire at the hose next to the torch. The fire watch immediately extinguished the fire with a cotton wiping rag as he shut off the supply at the bottle valve. 12-Oct-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: The construction crew was welding and burning handrails on the top production deck. Some molten steel fell on a deck support beam below, burning a hole in the stainless steel sensing line for a PSH on the gas compressor. The operator saw the flame and pulled the ESD system controls and shut in the production on the platform. The fire watch extinguished the fire immediately. Damage was minimal. 13-Oct-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: The engine turbo charger oil supply hose on the auxiliary diesel generator leaked on the engine exhaust, resulting in a 4-inch flame on the exhaust. The fire was extinguished with a 30-lb dry chemical unit. The generator had minimal damage. 15-Oct-2000 - Elf Exploration, Inc.
Remarks: A lube oil tank was overfilled on the No. 1 gas compressor. The excess lube oil flowed out the plastic vent line outside the containment skid and dripped on the No. 2 gas compressor exhaust on the deck below. A small fire occurred and was extinguished immediately with a 30-lb dry chemical extinguisher. 16-Oct-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: A welding lead cable was observed arcing with smoke coming from it. No flame was observed and no fire extinguisher was required. All welding units were shut down and the cables were inspected. 19-Oct-2000 - Exxon Mobil Corporation
Remarks: While the sour surge oil tank was being cleaned out, the tank was hit with a metal wrench resulting in a flash fire that was extinguished immediately with a 30-lb dry chemical extinguisher. 20-Oct-2000 - Apache Oil Corporation
Remarks: Welding and burning was being conducted on handrails on the top production deck near the living quarters. Hot slag (molten steel) fell into a deck drain and created a small fire. The fire watch extinguished the fire immediately with a 30-lb dry chemical unit. 25-Oct-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: At 12:30 a.m. the rig lost power. Upon investigation, smoke was seen coming out of the generator room. One of the generators was on fire. The fire was extinguished immediately with a chemical unit. The rig regained power at 1:00 a.m. 26-Oct-2000 - Newfield Exploration Company
Remarks: While cutting on the upper deck was being done, slag fell near the control panel and ignited escaping natural gas. The fire was quickly extinguished with a fire extinguisher. The alarm was sounded and the platform was shut in. 05-Nov-2000 - Vastar Offshore, Inc.
Remarks: Slag/sparks from welding operations ignited a cotton glove that the welder was using during his non-welding jobs. The smoldering glove burned through the acetylene hose that was lying on it and ignited the gas. A deckhand detected the fire and personnel responded to the area. The acetylene hose was pinched closed, the fire went out, the valve was shut off, and the glove was extinguished by stepping on it. 06-Nov-2000 - Newfield Exploration Company
Remarks: A vibration caused the engine’s air flapper valve that is mounted on the air intake to partially close, causing the valve to not function properly. The exhaust insulation caught fire. The unit was shut down and the flame went out. A weak spring on the flapper valve was a possible cause. 11-Nov-2000 - Shell Offshore, Inc.
Remarks: Mops that were used to clean diesel residue from the floor were placed in a 55-gallon drum. The mopheads ignited spontaneously and were noticed by a deckhand. The 2-foot flames were extinguished using a 30-lb dry chemical unit. 15-Nov-2000 - Bois d’Arc Offshore, L.L.C.
Remarks: Two operators noticed liquid falling from the still column on the glycol reboiler and began to shut in the glycol reboiler when they noticed a small fire coming from the flange on the glycol reboiler stack. The fire was extinguished immediately using a 30-lb fire extinguisher and a firehose. There were no injuries or pollution. The investigation findings showed that because of the well’s paraffin content, the glycol contactor was contaminated with condensate and paraffin from the high-pressure separator due to foaming. The paraffin plugged the ceramic saddles in the still column of the reboiler causing the condensate in the still column not to drain back into the reboiler. This caused condensate to escape through the top of the still column onto the stack. The hot flange ignited the condensate. 15-Nov-2000 - Newfield Exploration Company
Remarks: A small fire occurred on a rental air compressor. The fire was extinguished with a 30-lb fire extinguisher. Damage to the compressor was estimated at $1,000. No other damage was reported. 16-Nov-2000 - Apache Oil Corporation
Remarks: A re-circulation blower fan was equipped with additional insulation installed over the manufacturer’s insulation. The manufacturer’s insulation was ignited due to heat from the re-circulation blower. The platform was shut in, and the fire was put out with dry chemical extinguishers. The investigation findings showed that new insulation was installed over the existing insulation, possibly causing a heat buildup, which ignited the older insulation. Also, the original insulation might have had a build up of hydrocarbons. It was recommended that the old insulation be removed before adding new insulation. 23-Nov-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: Slag from welding operations on the deck above fell on a tarp on the lower deck, causing it to catch fire. The tarp was over the sewage treatment plant. The platform was already shut in. The fire was extinguished immediately with a 30-lb handheld fire extinguisher. 29-Nov-2000 - Phillips Petroleum Corporation
Remarks: Natural gas that was escaping from the crankcase of the compressor ignited and burned a small plastic piece on the vent. The fire was quickly extinguished and the vent was redirected. 30-Nov-2000 - BP Amoco Corporation
Remarks: Hot charcoals put in a trash bin caused a fire. 02-Dec-2000 - Exxon Mobil Corporation
Remarks: A small fire on the rig top drive motor brakes was extinguished by the derrick man, who saw smoke and arc light flashes coming from the derrick. 05-Dec-2000 - Amerada Mess Corporation
Remarks: A fire occurred in the insulation on the exhaust manifold of the No. 2 RMD motor. Oil accumulated in the insulation of the exhaust. Heat is suspected to have ignited the fire. The fire was quickly extinguished with a handheld fire extinguisher. 10-Dec-2000 - Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
Remarks: While a cut was being made on a 30-inch casing, the cutting torch ignited natural gas that had seeped to the top of the casing. The flash fire went out by itself. 13-Dec-2000 - Shell Offshore, Inc.
Remarks: A soft rope tagline on a crane load got caught in an exposed hot exhaust pipe on the turbine gas compressor. The tagline was removed from the exhaust and the fire extinguished on its own. Only the rope was damaged. 15-Dec-2000 - Murphy Exploration & Production Company
Remarks: : Upon investigation after an ESD alarm shut in the platform, a TSE was found burned out above the glycol reboiler and the insulation was burned. Water was used to cool down the component 17-Dec-2000 - Newfield Exploration Company
Remarks: Welding was being performed on a JPS field transport tank on the top production deck when a piece of molten steel slag was blown down to the deck below. The slag fell into an out-of-service line heater skid, igniting a small fire. The fire watch extinguished the fire with a 30-lb dry chemical unit. 17-Dec-2000 - Vastar Resources, Inc.
Remarks: A flange leaked hot glycol into the insulation between the glycol shell heat exchange. The insulation created a small fire, which was extinguished immediately. 21-Dec-2000 -Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
Remarks: A small fire occurred due to duct tape being left on a hot nozzle on the glycol reboiler. The intense heat ignited the duct tape. The operator extinguished the fire with a garden hose after an attempt using a 30-lb portable fire extinguisher failed. The investigation findings revealed that the incident occurred due to the duct tape that was used to patch a 2-inch nozzle in the vapor space of the reboiler. The lease operator circulated a Safety Alert about the auto-ignition of combustible materials left in contact with elevated temperatures. 27-Dec-2000 - Exxon Mobil Corporation
Remarks: A small fire occurred in the heating and air conditioning system of the living quarters. It appears that trash in the ductwork was next to a heater and caught fire. The fire was extinguished with two 30-lb fire extinguishers. Damage, due mainly to smoke, was estimated between $10,000 to $15,000.
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